NEWTON HEATH v. ASTON VILLA These teams met in their first League engagement this season on the Heathens’ ground before a gate close upon 9,000. The ground was soft, and as each side had a capital team up a good game was anticipated. The play in the first half was very open, and neither side could claim any advantage. The Villa defence was strong, and their attack nimble. half way through the game no goals had been scored. When hostilities were resumed it was early apparent that each side meant making a desperate attempt. The visitors made a fine rush up. in which Hodgetts was conspicuous. The ball was sent in sharp to Mitchell and he had the misfortune to put the ball past Hill, much to the disappointment of the home side Devey again led his forwards up in splendid fashion. but they found a strong defence opposed to them, Errentz playing superbly. At length Brown scored again. Then the Heathens got up. and the backs being beaten, a capital shot by Peden scored fine goal for his side. The Villa, however, managed to put on another goal, and thus won by three goals to one. --- *The Birmingham Daily Post* Monday 18 December 1893 NOTES ON SPORT. The Villa’s victory at Clayton was a most creditable one. Owing to illness Smith and Hare were unable to play, and the team consequently underwent considerable change. Groves was moved from half-back to the inside position on the left wing, whilst Russell was brought from the reserves to fill Groves’s usual place. It had been originally intended to play Groves on the right with Athersmith, but Smith’s sudden indisposition upset that arrangement, and Albert Brown was called upon to partner the Villa sprinter. Some anxiety was felt for the success of the enforced reorganisation, but fortunately all went well, and after the first half-hour the Villa supporters felt fairly confident as to the result. Singularly enough, for the third time in succession, there was no score at the interval. Both goals, however, had been several times desperately assaulted, and only the brilliant defence of the respective goalkeepers prevented the attacks from succeeding. Dunning in particular played grandly, and demonstrated to everyone a satisfaction that he is able, when the necessity arises, to punch the ball away instead of catching it. In the second half Newton Heath were manifestly outclassed, and even their own supporters had to admit that they were beaten by a superior combination. A curious fact in connection with the match was that Newton Heath scored three goals, and yet lost, the explanation being that Mitchell, one of the backs, twice put the ball through his own goal. The changes which the Villa team had undergone naturally affected the combination at the start, but as the game progressed an improvement was noticeable in this respect, and in the second half some splendid combined play was witnessed, Groves did wonderfully well in his new position, and at times passed with masterly precision to Hodgetts; but he is admittedly a finer half-back than forward, and it is questionable policy to remove him from his usual position. Hodgetts on the extreme left played with all his old skill, and centred with deadly precision. J. Devey performed admirably in the centre, and Brown and Athersmith were a capital right wing, although the former lacks the dash that is characteristic of Hare’s play. Reynolds and Cowan were two grand half-backs, whilst Russell made a most promising debut. He is a resolute tackler, backs up well, and in the second half played with wonderful finish, some of his little touches to his wing being a treat to witness. Baird kicked powerfully and tackled faultlessly, and Welford also defended irreproachably. Dunning’s goal-keeping has previously received favourable comment. The Newton Heath forwards were very erratic, but Peden deserves a word of praise for his dashing runs and clever centres. With a partner like Hodgetts; he would, indeed, be a grand player. Perrins was the pick of the half-backs, and Errentz was a safer back than his companion Mitchell. Fall, the goal-keeper, was in excellent form, and never made a mistake. The Villa have performed brilliantly this month, having won all three matches, two of which have been away from home. Their great trial, however, is at hand, for next Saturday they will have to pay a visit to Wolverhampton, and the Wanderers’ performance on Saturday stamps them as most formidable opponents. The Perry Barr players recognise that their skill will be put to a crucial test, and during the week will make a real effort to get themselves as fit as possible for their great struggle.